Introduction: Charudatta as the Hero of Mrichchhakatika
Charudatta’s Background and Social Position
Charudatta, son of Sagardatta and grandson of Binaydatta, is the hero of the play Mrichchhakatika. A resident of Ujjayini, Brahman by birth and merchant by profession, he is presented by Sudraka as an immensely [noble character. Charudatta is attributed with exemplary honesty, charitable manner, placid, sensitive and loving in nature. Along with these, he is coupled with his sense of humour, love for art and music, and handsome construction. He is revered more than the king. He is considered as a gem of Ujjayini.
Charudatta as a Dhirodatta Nayaka
According to Bharata’s Natyashastra, there are four types of heroes or ‘Nayakas’: Dhirodhata (brave and haughty), Dhirelalita (brave and sportive), Dhirodatta (brave and generous) and Dhiroprashanta (brave and calm). Judging from Charudatta’s innate nature and qualities, he may be classified as a Dhirodatta Nayaka, with added qualities of calmness.
Physical Appearance and Attractive Personality of Charudatta
Charudatta bore handsome mein and attractive frame body frame. Samvahaka, the shampooer in Second Act apprise Vasantasena, “he is so very handsome in appearance”. Aryaka, too, in seventh act mentions his exceptional beauty. The form of Charudatta provides an impression of the integrity and virtue of his character. The judges in the ninth act say:
“Here’s that Charudatta, he who possesses a face having a prominent nose and eyes with large eye corners. Such a face, surely, could never be the abode of having crimes wantonly attributed to it”.
Charudatta’s Nobility and Moral Excellence
Though Charudatta is exceptionally beautiful, yet it is his virtue which dominantly attracts Vasantasena towards him. Poverty could not snatch from him his virtues. Vita, even being the associate of villain Sakara, praises his virtues:
“To the distress, he is the wish-yielding tree… To the voluptuous, he is a family head. To the learned, he is a mirror reflecting learning. He is the touchstone of moral conduct. He is ever hospitable, and never shows disrespect.”
Charudatta’s Generosity and Charitable Nature
Charudatta, an extremely generous and merciful person, possess feelings for everyone from little creatures to servants. When he returns home late at night, he refused to disturb the sleep of his servants. Vardhamanaka, his servant, comments rightly on this: “A master, who is kind and compassionate to his servants, is pleasing even though he may be poor”. He even feels for the thief who comes to steal from his house. He feels pains at seeing Maitreya frightening the pigeons with a stick. He provides shelter to Aryaka who ran away by breaking the king’s confinement. He even forgives Sakara at the end which depicts his extent of forgiveness.
Charudatta tries to fully execute the responsibility taken by him.
Charudatta’s Concern for Reputation and Honour
When the thief steals away the jewellery of Vasantasena, he sends his wife’s necklace to her. He invents the story that he lost the jewellery in gambling. His reputation was more dear to him than his life.
Charudatta’s Relationship with Vasantasena|Charudatta’s Devotion to His Wife Dhuta
One may question about his extra-marital association with a courtesan. But in those times, when this play was penned down by Sudraka, society permitted polygamy. Charudatta well informed his wife Dhuta about Vasantasena and she addressed Vasantasena, the heroine, as her sister. Charudatta on the other hand, loved Dhuta for no less. At the last act, when Charudatta was informed that Dhuta attempted to burn herself in bereavement, Charudatta was shocked and fainted. His delightful reaction at seeing Dhuta alive amply indicates his devotion for her.
Charudatta as an Ideal Human Being|
Sudraka’s Realistic Portrayal of Charudatta| Conclusion
Charudatta is presented as a sensitive, noble man. He plays no active role in the revolution going on during that time. However, Sudraka’s story is not a Nataka but a Prakarana. The play is not about royal revolution or history. It is about a common man, his love, his disappointments and his common sphere of existence. From this perspective, Charudatta is indeed the hero or Nayaka of Sudraka’s Mrichchhakatika.
FAQ
Who is Charudatta in Mrichchhakatika?
Charudatta is the noble Brahmin-merchant and the protagonist of Sudraka’s Mrichchhakatika, renowned for his generosity, honesty, and moral integrity.
Why is Charudatta considered a Dhirodatta hero?
Charudatta possesses the qualities of courage, generosity, nobility, self-sacrifice, and moral excellence, making him an ideal Dhirodatta Nayaka.
What are the main qualities of Charudatta?
His chief qualities include generosity, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, sensitivity, responsibility, and devotion to loved ones.
How does Charudatta’s poverty affect his character?
Although he loses his wealth, Charudatta never abandons his virtues, proving that true nobility lies in character rather than material possessions.
Why is Charudatta regarded as an ideal hero?
He combines moral excellence, compassion, integrity, and selflessness, making him one of the most admired heroes in Sanskrit literature.